The contact lens examination

As contact lenses correct sight by touching the front surface of the eye (the cornea), the fitting and continued use of contact lenses requires specialist attention in addition to the routine sight examination.

What's involved in fitting?

Initial measurements
As well as your basic spectacles prescription, the contact lens optician will need to measure the size and shape of the cornea (the place where the lens usually sits) and carefully examine the surrounding areas to assess your suitability for lens wear. At Focalpoint, we measure the exact shape of your cornea using a digital corneal topographer. This effectively gives us a 3D map of the eye surface, allowing a far more accurate fitting than conventional measurements would allow. The eye is then studied through a Bio-Microscope, affording highly magnified, detail views of the eye and surrounding tissue. We can record this information both digitally, and onto film, as it enables us to observe any effects that contact lens wear may have on your eye. We can also measure the quality and quantity of your tears, an important factor for successful lens wear in this modern, air conditioned world.

History, symptoms and requirements
As we specialise in difficult fittings, we see many people who are deemed 'failed' lens wearers, often with poor comfort and low wearing times. By carefully listening to your symptoms and history, and understanding your requirements, we agree with you a plan of action. This usually means fitting you with one or more designs of trial lenses, and getting you to use them in your usual environment i.e. the real world. Successful lens wear is a partnership between the optician and the patient, and is a constantly evolving concept.

Fitting lenses
Following our initial measurements, and having discussed our action plan, you will then be fitted with trial lenses, which will be very close to your prescription. These lenses are usually available to try from stock (we keep over 10,000 trial lenses), or are available to order within a day or two. Once assessed, these lenses will be issued to you to wear for a certain period, and you will be taught, if needed, how to clean them and put them in and remove them. Appointments will then be made for follow up visits. At the follow up checks, we will assess your vision, comfort, and lens suitability, and modify it as necessary.

Follow up appointments
A new contact lens wearer is usually seen at the practice at least three times as they adjust to their lenses, and we evaluate the fitting. Once the fitting is deemed successful, you need only return for routine aftercare appointments, which are usually at 3, 6 or 12 months. It is still important that routine eye examinations are also carried out, usually at 2 year intervals for adults.